Family Remembers Murder Victim as a Kind, Loving Mother

Deer River, MN (NNCNOW.com)-- Friends and family of Sonya Smith remember the late Deer River woman as a generous mother who cared deeply for her children.

Authorities say Smith was found dead in a Deer River home and she's a victim of multiple traumatic injuries. Her boyfriend, 50 year old Eugene Nason, is charged with 2nd degree murder in connection with her death.

"I didn't think it was really. I felt like I was in a nightmare that I couldn't wake up from," said Smith's daughter Theresa Smith Gotchie.

Theresa says while the pain is real and heavy, she's finding strength knowing her mother left a positive impression on the world.

"Even though she didn't know you, she would pray for your happiness," said Gotchie. "She always thought of her kids before anybody else--before herself. She didn't have much but she made sure her kids were happy and she did everything she could to keep them happy and give them everything she wanted."

Theresa's father, Charles Gotchie says the bond he shared with Smith is beautiful and forever.

"She was like a flower, like the wind blew, like trees, like a blower grows--beautiful," said Gotchie.

And despite a negative end, a tight nit family remains strong and remembers a mother who lived for her children.

"As long as she was with us or surrounded by friends and family, she was happy," said Smith Gotchie.

A happy life carried on through her three children.

Services will be held Thursday morning at 11a.m., at the Community Center in Ball Club, Minnesota.